Sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise in Albania. Infectious disease doctors list some causes, but the main factor remains in the mentality: the society is ashamed of “the sex talk”.

“Changing sexual partners is an important factor. Same sex relations, early start of the sexual activity, lack of information are other factors. There are a lot of tabus, youngsters are ashamed to buy protection methods,” says Nevila Kryemadhi, infectious disease doctor.

She says that youngsters are the most problematic category. She has treated patients at 14 or 15 years old, with genitalia infections or even HIV.

Albanians are ashamed of buying precaution, but what about going to the doctor?

“They usually come when it is too late. First, because STDs are asymptomatic. Second, because there is a sense of shame,” Kryemadhi argues.

The doctor lists some of the STDs that spread through unprotected sexual relations, such as HIV, syphilis, bacterial infections, chlamydia, parasitic diseases and so on.

On the daily, the special clinic for STDs in Tirana treats up to 10 patients, usually seeking consulting.